Michigan Football: Run and Shoot Vs. Spread Offense

I just read your post on GBW about the run and shoot in the NFL. What exactly is the difference between the run and shoot and the spread offense? Not sure if I remember correctly, but did the run and shoot use wing backs or what Michigan calls H-backs while the spread uses slots?

I also remember the run and shoot always liked to use the wing back reverse or counter along with bringing the wing back in motion behind the RB and use him in the option with the QB. What are the differences and also the similarities thanks if any.

Tim---------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for the question Tim. The first difference was in Run and Shoot the Quarterback always lined up under center. Coach Ellison, actual inventor of Run and Shoot, said this was because he felt that the Quarterback under center was in better position to make reads and see exactly what secondary was doing. He also felt that the Quarterback under center could deliver the ball with more accuracy and quicker.

There were reads where the Quarterback would not even take a step back. Coach June Jones and Mouse Davis made similar comments about the Quarterback being under center. Running Backs are lined up at about the same depth as in spread, but directly behind the Quarterback, instead of off set like in spread. In addition, in some versions the Running Back gets into three-point stance instead of two-point stance as in spread.

Slots are lined up much tighter to Offensive Tackles in Run and Shoot and they either could be parallel to line of scrimmage or sometimes actually be put on 45-degree angle. The plays are very similar and use of slots is similar.

The biggest difference in passing game was use of Split Ends. Split Ends in Run and Shoot were vertical players, running a number of deep passes that were capable of stretching offense vertically. The position of the slots made it tougher for defenses to double, or get underneath help on Split Ends. Slots are wider in spread and make it tougher for defenses to keep seven or eight in the box. Motion by slots was also a bigger part of offense in Run and Shoot.